Living After Suicide meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month, 7-8:30 p.m., at Solomon House, 200 Main St. in Huntersville. The next three meetings are Feb. 21, March 20, and April 17. For more information visit http://livingaftersuicide.info

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A study recently published by the US Centers for Disease Control says that by 2050, nearly one-fourth to one-third of Americans could be living with diabetes. Most of the increase will come in Type 2 diabetes, which is largely preventable. The projected increase is due to an aging population and the increase in minority groups that are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

Two organizations in the Lake Norman area are doing their part to promote prevention for these minority groups. Through a grant funded by the North Carolina Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson and The Solomon House in Huntersville have joined forces to provide free educational workshops and screenings for those at risk of developing diabetes or seeking more information.

“Within the Free Clinic of Our Towns Health Clinic here at the Ada Jenkins center, we were diagnosing more and more individuals, many Latino and African American, with diabetes,” said Georgia Krueger, Executive Director at Ada Jenkins Center. “Helping these individuals manage the disease takes a lot of time and resources. When The Solomon House approached us about starting a prevention program, we thought it would be a great opportunity to work together towards prevention in the community,”

Each month, staff and volunteer nurses provide a session in one Lake Norman area town. There, participants learn more about the disease, why they may be at risk and options for prevention. They are offered a screening and referral for care if needed.

“Thus far we have had about 30 participants, largely those in at-risk populations, attend a workshop each month and learn about the disease. Because our mission is around health education for individuals, it is our hope that those who are screened through these events will seek medical care early, hopefully preventing this disease from progressing and becoming a chronic disease,” said Joyce Brooks, director of The Solomon House.

Typical risk factors for diabetes include older age, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. A family history of diabetes, developing diabetes while pregnant, and race/ethnicity are also risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Racial/ethnic groups at increased risk are African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and some Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders.

If you think you are at risk and would like more information, contact The Solomon House at 704-875-7727 and ask about attending a workshop.

If you are interested in donating your resources or time to Ada Jenkins Center or The Solomon House, please visit the agency websites, www.adajenkins.org or www.presbyterian.org/solomonhouse or contact The Ada Jenkins Center at 704-896-0471 or The Solomon House at 704-875-7727.

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SOURCE: Lake Norman Diabetes Prevention Program
Two area health agencies are teaming up the charge in diabetes prevention in the Lake Norman communities. Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson and The Solomon House in Huntersville have combined resources to provide free diabetes prevention education and services to those in need.

Throughout the year, they will be providing free workshops and screenings in towns across northern Mecklenburg and southern Iredell counties.

The project is supported by the North Carolina Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities. Ada Jenkins Center was awarded a grant to provide support for the Lake Norman Diabetes Prevention Program.

Georgia Krueger

“Each year, we see an increased occurrence of diabetes diagnoses in patients of our free clinic. This program is an attempt to get ahead of the curve – the help people identify their risk for diabetes and address the issue early. This program is targeted toward minority populations since minorities are disproportionally affected by diabetes in our community,” said Georgia Krueger, executive director of the Ada Jenkins Center.

An estimated 643,000 North Carolinians or 9.3 percent of the total state population had diagnosed diabetes and an estimated 376,000 individuals are at risk of developing diabetes.

Each month throughout the next year, educators will be on hand in a different town to provide information about the risk factors of diabetes and how individuals can begin to take steps to prevent from developing the chronic illness. Their first events are June 12. An event welcoming African Americans and others will be held at the Waymer Center in Huntersville, NC from 12 PM – 2 PM. An event for Spanish speakers will be held also on June 12 at First Baptist Church, Huntersville from 10 AM to noon. For more information contact The Solomon House at (704) 875-7727. Free diabetes screenings will be offered at each event.

About Lake Norman Diabetes Prevention Program:

The Lake Norman Diabetes Prevention Program is targeted at minority populations to raise awareness of risk factors and symptoms associated with diabetes. This project is designed to promote healthy lifestyle changes amongst those who are high risk. It will also educate minority populations of each organization’s offerings that assist with prevention and treatment.

About Ada Jenkins:

The Ada Jenkins Center is in Davidson, NC and serves the Lake Norman community which includes South Iredell and North Mecklenburg Counties. The mission of The Ada Jenkins Center is to improve the quality of life for the residents of our communities through the integrated delivery of health, education, and human services. Our founders, staff, and board of directors strongly believe that unforeseen circumstances can place people of all walks of life at risk. Whether a family has to face illness, job loss, or other life situations, we know that all people have the ability to improve their lives, and we are here to help them do so. It is our vision to support the people of Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, and South Iredell County toward becoming better educated, healthier, and economically self-sufficient, empowering them for a better tomorrow.

About The Solomon House:
The Solomon House is a health and human services organization that serves the Lake Norman community. As a community center, they offer free health education including programs, screenings and more. As a community advocate, they offer referrals for resources to those in need. Based on faith and values, The Solomon House opens their doors to those in need without discrimination. They are supported by Presbyterian Hospital, The Duke Endowment and private donations.

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